Candle making
by
steve1
Beginners interested in making votives and container candles can start with paraffin wax. It is inexpensive and easy to find, plus it comes in a wide variety of melting points, typically low to medium. For a higher grade wax, refined paraffin wax produces less smoke (because it contains less oil) and it burns slower. Both types are perfect for adding color and fragrance.
Beeswax is a popular type of wax that is slow burning and more expensive. When burned, a faint honey aroma is released. For super simple candles, you can buy beeswax sheets that you roll up instead of melting. Soybean wax is clean burning and it comes in a variety of melt points suitable for a variety of applications, from votives to container candles to pillars. The only complaint about this type of wax is that it doesn’t always burn evenly. Palm wax is typically hard and has a high melting point (around 140). When hardened it looks crystalline. Bayberry wax is hard, and somewhat brittle, but it has a melting point of around 120. It has a greenish color and a faint scent to it when burned. Gel wax is one of the newest types of wax that are totally clear and easy to pour. Some people purchase additives to blend into their waxes in order to slow the burn, especially in container candles. Additives include petroleum jelly, vegetable shortening, and mineral oil. These shouldn’t be used when making pillar candles or other standing candles. Most waxes will state whether they require additives or not.
http://www.silvercitycandle.com
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Candle making